Age, libido, and male sexual function.

Abstract

In the last decade of the 20th century, there was a distinct reappraisal of male sexual dysfunction and its pharmaco-medical treatment. Although representative studies of sexual (dys)function in the aging male (i.e., between 60-90 years of age) are still lacking, one might assume with certainty that many men and their partners could benefit from sexological counseling and treatment. At the same time, it is obvious that many older men with erectile dysfunction do not seek or want treatment for various reasons. Nevertheless, it is obligatory that modern physicians include sexual matters in dealing with their aging patients, as an essential part of their quality of life. The doctor of today should approach the old(er) male patient with sexual dysfunction (regardless of comorbidity) in an identical manner as young(er) patients, i.e., with proper sexological history-taking, proper physical examination, and/or sexological diagnostic screening, and discussing the various available treatments. Needless to say, that they should not "create" sexual problems when patients are satisfied with their current way of life. However, with the increasing number of efficacious treatments, doctors will satisfy many of their older patients with sexual difficulties who seek treatment.